Magnetic therapeutic device

ABSTRACT

Method and apparatus for treating wounds comprising the steps of exposing a wound to a magnetic source. Preferably, the wound has had some time to begin healing.  
     Device for magnetizing water comprising a container for holding water; and a magnetic source disposed about the container.  
     Method of attaching a medical or dental appliance comprising the steps of:  
     providing magnetized medical or dental cement; and applying the cement so as to affix an appliance in a desired location.  
     A magnetic therapeutic article comprising magnetized medical/dental cement or plaster.  
     A magnetic therapeutic device including an adhesive bandage for covering a wound and a magnetic source supported by the adhesive bandage.

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application claims the benefit of priority, and is acontinuation in part, of prior filed, co-pending, U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 09/590,969, entitled “Magnetic Therapeutic Device”,filed Jun. 9, 2000, by Ewing et al., and claims benefit to priority ofU.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/138,726, entitled“Magnetic Therapeutic Device”, filed Jun. 11, 1999, by Ewing et al., thedisclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention pertains to magnetic therapeutic devices.More particularly, the present invention pertains to devices for theapplication of magnetic fields to specific regions of the human body.

[0004] 2. Description of the Background Art

[0005] Magnets or biomagnets have long been used to expose particularregions of the human body to magnetic flux lines. The influence ofbiomagnets has been reported to improve circulation and reduceinflammation. As a result, pain may be reduced and strength may beincreased.

[0006] A number of flexible magnetic pads have been disclosed to thepublic as providing therapeutic effects, including those disclosed inU.S. Pat. Nos. 5,514,072 and 5,538,495 (a flexible magnetic pad withmulti-directional constantly alternating polarity zones); U.S. Pat. No.5,549,532 (a flexible magnetic sheet for therapeutic use); and U.S. Pat.No. 5,304,111 (a therapeutic magnetic sheet with repeated curved areas);the disclosures of which are herein incorporated by reference. Themagnetic pads are applied to various regions of the body, such as thelegs and arms.

[0007] Additionally, magnets have been placed in wraps, jewelry and thesoles of shoes to provide therapeutic effects. Magnets have also beenincorporated into numerous other devices, such as those described inU.S. Pat. No. 4,480,596 (lumbar belts), U.S. Pat. No. 5,642,739(armbands), and U.S. Pat. No. 5,720,046 (clothing). Each device is usedfor exposing specifically defined, external regions of the human body toa magnetic field.

[0008] It has been reported that biomagnets can be placed at strategicpoints on the body to positively influence pain control by directingmagnetic fields to acupuncture points, acupuncture meridians, and thesurrounding hard and soft tissue. For example, clothing having discretemagnets attached thereto for producing healing effects at acupuncturepoints has been disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,720,046, which issued Feb.24, 1998 to Lopez et al., the disclosure of which is herein incorporatedby reference. More specifically, Lopez teaches clothing and otherpersonal wear which utilizes discrete magnets to direct magnetic fieldstowards acupuncture points along the human torso; acupuncture points onthe head along the temporal region, soft spot and upper most vertebraeregion at the base of the skull; and acupuncture points on the bodyappendages.

[0009] Although magnetic fields have been applied to a number oflocations along the outer human body, none of the above-cited patentsteaches or suggests the use of magnets for primarily applying a magneticfield to the lower temporal/mandibular region of a human head. Further,none of the above-cited patents teaches or suggests inserting magneticdevices into cavities of the human body.

[0010] The lower temporal/mandibular region, as defined throughout thisdisclosure, refers to particular skeletal regions of the face andcranium along with the surrounding soft tissue. More specifically, thelower temporal/mandibular region includes the zygomatic bone, mandible,lower portion of the temporal bone, mastoid process, zygomatic arch,maxillae and surrounding soft tissue. The region of exposure preferablyincludes that region which is proximate the joint connecting the jaw tothe cranium, longitudinally extending from the top of the ears to thetip of the chin and latitudinally extending the width of the lowerportion of the jawbone to the upper portion of the cheekbone.Additionally, none of the patents referred to above have disclosed orsuggested the application of magnetic fields to the outer ear, themiddle ear or the inner ear, the inside of the mouth or mouth cavity orto a healing wound. It is believed that application of a magnetic fieldto the lower temporal/mandibular region of the human head or withincertain body cavities will positively impact blood circulation and cellpolarity, thus reducing pain, fatigue, and stress, and to increasestrength.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The present invention, to address the above stated deficiency inthe background art devices as well as others, as is detailedhereinafter, provides means for delivering a magnetic field to the lowertemporal/mandibular region of a human head. The present invention alsoprovides a device having a magnetic source for inserting into a bodycavity.

[0012] In a first embodiment, the present invention provides amouthpiece comprising a magnetic device or magnet disposed therein.

[0013] In a second embodiment, the present invention provides headgearhaving means for positioning a magnetic device or magnet about the lowertemporal/mandibular region of a human head and at least one magneticdevice or magnet disposed within the means for positioning.

[0014] In a third embodiment, the present invention comprises an earplughaving at least one magnetic device or magnet disposed therein.

[0015] In a fourth embodiment, the present invention provides acontainer or bottle for producing magnetic water, the containercomprising at least one magnetic device circumferentially disposed aboutthe container to magnetically charge water. The magnetic water issuitable for applying to a human body.

[0016] In a fifth embodiment of the present invention, the presentinvention provides magnetic dental or medical cement. The magneticdental or medical cement is preferably water based and includes fromabout 1% to about 99.0% by total weight of magnetic water.

[0017] In a sixth embodiment, the present invention comprises aremovable adhesive bandage having at least one magnetic device disposedtherein.

[0018] In a seventh embodiment, the present invention comprisesmagnetically charged plaster for treating an injury.

[0019] For a more complete understanding of the present invention,reference is now made to the following detailed description andaccompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020]FIG. 1a is a top view of a first embodiment of a magnetictherapeutic device in accordance with the present invention;

[0021]FIG. 1b is a front view of a first embodiment of a magnetictherapeutic device in accordance with the present invention;

[0022]FIG. 1c is a side view of a first embodiment of a magnetictherapeutic device in accordance with the present invention;

[0023]FIG. 2 is an environmental view of a second embodiment of amagnetic therapeutic device in accordance with the present invention;

[0024]FIG. 3a is a side view of a third embodiment of a magnetictherapeutic device in accordance with the present invention;

[0025]FIG. 3b is an environmental top view of a third embodiment of amagnetic therapeutic device in accordance with the present invention;

[0026]FIG. 4 is a side view of a fourth embodiment of a magnetictherapeutic device in accordance with the present invention;

[0027]FIG. 5 is an environmental view of a fifth embodiment of amagnetic therapeutic device in accordance with the present invention;

[0028]FIG. 6a is a bottom view of a sixth embodiment of a magnetictherapeutic device in accordance with the present invention;

[0029]FIG. 6b is a cross-sectional side view of a sixth embodiment of amagnetic therapeutic device in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] With more particularity and with reference to FIGS. 1a-1 c thereis depicted therein a magnetic therapeutic device in accordance with thepresent invention comprising a mouthpiece, which is generally denoted at10. The mouthpiece 10 comprises a bite plate 12 and at least onemagnetic device 16 disposed therein. In addition to providing magnetictherapeutic effects to the maxillo-facial regions, the mouthpiece mayadditionally protect the oral infrastructure and favorably alter thevertical height of the dental occlusion to positively influence paincontrol, enhance strength and endurance.

[0031] The bite plate 12 has a height H, width W, and length L and maybe adapted to fit within the mouth of either an adult or child. The biteplate 12 separates the upper teeth from the lower teeth by the height Hof the bite plate 12. Preferably, the height or separation H of the biteplate 12 provides from about 2 mm to about 3 mm of clearance between theposterior molars and from about 6 mm to about 8 mm of clearance betweenthe anterior incisors. The bite plate 12 may be U-shaped or parabolic soas to properly fit about the teeth. The length L of the bite plate 12preferably extends along the entire length of the bottom and the toprows of teeth. The bite plate 12 may comprise a plurality of peaks andvalleys (not shown) that conform to or fit about the individual teeth ofa human mouth.

[0032] The bite plate 12 may be a conventional mouth guard, bite splintor the like. Suitable mouth guards, in addition to others, include thosedisclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,791,941, which issued on Dec. 20, 1988 toQuinton, and U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,250,272, 3,211,143, 2,630,117, 3,224,441,3,124,129, 3,096,761, 3,112,744, the disclosures, all of which, areherein incorporated by reference.

[0033] The bite plate 12 may further have at least one channel 20 forseating the teeth of the human mouth therein. The bite plate 12 may haveat least one wall 22, and preferably a second wall 24, extendingtherefrom to form the channel 20. The channel 20 may be preformed withinthe bite plate to conform to either the teeth or the gums of a humanmouth or both, as may be the case for a person who does not have teeth.The channel 20 may house either the upper set of teeth, the lower set ofteeth, or may house both or the upper gums, the lower gums or both.Preferably, the channel 20 fits about the upper set of teeth. Thechannel 20 is adapted to hold the mouthpiece 10 securely in place andmay additionally protect the teeth from a frontal blow to the mouth.

[0034] The channel 20 may be preformed or custom fit to a particularindividual's mouth and bite pattern. For example, a cast of the teeth orgums may be taken to form a die-cast of the mouthpiece 10 of hardplastic.

[0035] The bite plate 12 may be formed of semi-ridged rubber or plastic,pliable rubber, rigid plastic, or like materials. Pliable rubber orpliable plastic allows the bite plate 12 to be used as an athletic mouthguard. The favorable protective mechanism provided by a semi-ridgedmaterial between the maxillary and mandibular detention will helpprevent tooth trauma, oral lacerations, temporal/mandibular jointdysfunction, and cranial/sacral injury. The bite plate 12 may also besubstantially formed of thermoplastic. Thermoplastic allows an end userto heat the bite plate in hot water and mold the bite plate to the enduser's specific bite profile.

[0036] Alternatively, the bite plate 12 may be formed of a hard plasticor rubber. Hard rubber or plastic allows the bite plate 12 to be used asa bite splint. A bite splint reduces wear between the upper teeth andlower teeth and may be used by people who grind their teeth.

[0037] It is important to the present invention that the mouthpiece 10have a magnetic source, magnetic device or magnet 16 disposed therein.As shown, the magnetic 16 resides between a bottom layer 14 and a toplayer 18 of the bite plate 12. The bottom layer 14, the magnetic device16, and the top layer 18 preferably provide a separation H of about 2 mmto about 10 mm between the top set of teeth and the bottom set of teeth.Alternatively, the magnetic device may be made integral (not shown) withthe bite plate to form a single, uniformly and integrally constructedmagnetic mouthpiece, such as a soft material or body having magneticproperties.

[0038] The magnetic device 16 is preferably disposed within the biteplate 12 using any suitable means of manufacture including molding thebite plate around the magnetic device, layering the bite plate betweenthe bottom layer and top layer and securing the magnetic device withadhesives, etc. Alternatively, as in the case where the magnetic deviceis made integral with the bite plate (not shown), the manufacture ofsuch device may be accomplished by embedding magnetic particulateswithin a thermoplastic, semi-rigid plastic or rubber bite plate andforming the bite plate to fit about the teeth.

[0039] The magnetic device 16, and those described throughout theensuing disclosure, may be anything that produces a magnetic field,including for example a discrete ferrite magnet, a plurality of discreteferrite magnets, an electromagnet, ferro-magnetic alloy, etc.Preferably, the magnetic device 16 is a rubbery-flexible syntheticmaterial in which permanent magnetic particles, such as ferriteparticles, have been imbedded. The magnetic device preferably generatesa magnetic flux density of about 50 to about 2500 gauss. The magneticdevice preferably has a magnetic flux density of about 400 to about 1000gauss and more preferably from about 800 to about 1000 gauss.

[0040] The magnetic device 16 may comprise constantly alternatingnorth/south polarity zones. The magnetic device may also comprise aflexible planar magnetic sheet having a specific pattern of repeatingalternating polarity, such that poles of the same polarity are disposedabout the magnetic device 16 in a staggered position. The magneticdevice 16 may be formed of a flexible magnetic sheet having a variety ofpatterns including: a spiral pattern emanating from the center of thedevice and having magnetic poles of alternating polarity, or some othergeometric shape, such as concentrically arranged rings, sectors,quadrangles or the like.

[0041] The magnetic source is disposed in the mouthpiece 10 in anorientation suitable for exposing the joints, bones, and surroundingsoft tissue to a magnetic field. In particular, when a flat magneticdevice is used, the magnetic field radiating therefrom exposes the bodytissue to a field flux at an angle of from about 45 to 90 degrees,relative to an axis formed by the surface of the flat magnetic device.Preferably, the magnetic device 16 is disposed within the bite plate 12to deliver a magnetic field with a flux of about 90 degrees relative tothe surface of the magnet to provide the maximum exposure of body tissueto the flux lines of the magnetic device.

[0042] Referring now to FIG. 2, shown therein is a magnetic therapeuticdevice in accordance with the present invention comprising headgear,shown generally at 100. The headgear comprises means 142 for positioninga magnetic device about an ear or about the lower temporal/mandibularregion of the human head or both, wherein the means 142 for positioninghas at least one magnetic device 116 disposed therein. The means 142 forpositioning may be an ear guard, a support ring that encircles the ear,an ear covering, an earmuff, etc. As shown, the means for positioningthe magnetic device comprises at least one ear guard 110 having at leastone magnetic device 116 disposed within the ear guard 110. As may becomeevident from this disclosure, the headgear may further comprise twoindividual ear guards (not shown).

[0043] The ear guard 110 may be adapted to shelter and protect a humanear. The ear guard 110 is preferably a convex housing having athickness, an inner side and an outer side. The ear guard 110 maycomprise a convex, hard shell or pliable covering. The hard shell may beformed of leather, plastic, rubber, etc. Padding may be attached to theinside of the hard shell using suitable fastening means, such asriveting, gluing, etc. Alternatively, the ear guard 110 may be comprisedof a pliable covering without a hard outer shell. The pliable coveringmay be formed of leather, plastic or the like and padded with material,such as foam rubber, cotton batting or the like. Padding is used tocushion and absorb the force of blows that may be delivered to the ear.

[0044] Thus, the ear guard 110 may perform a multitude of purposesbesides solely supporting the magnetic device: such as protecting theears from physical blows, protecting the ears from cold temperatures,etc. The headgear of the present invention may resemble the types ofheadgear used in wrestling, hockey, baseball, football, water polo,cycling, etc. For example, a football helmet has a padded inner lining,the inner lining has a recess which encircles the ears, thus forming anear guard within the helmet.

[0045] The ear guard 110 comprises at least one magnetic device ormagnet 114 disposed therein. The ear guard 110 may comprise a pluralityof magnets 114, 116, 112. As shown, three magnets are disposed 114, 116,112 radially about a central portion of the ear guard. The magnets areparabolic or curved in shape and partially encircle the outer area ofthe ear. Alternatively or additionally, a single concave magnet (notshown) may be disposed in the ear guard and adapted to fit over theentire ear of a wearer.

[0046] The magnets disposed in the ear guard 110 expose the lowertemporal bone, sphenoid bone, zygomatic arch, mandible and surroundingsoft tissues to magnetic flux lines. The magnetic device may also exposethe outer ear, middle ear, and inner ear to magnetic flux lines.

[0047] The headgear 100 may comprise a plurality of support straps 118,120, 122, 124, 126 for removably supporting the ear guard 110 about asuitable position on the human head 140. Such straps may include a lowerback strap 118, a middle back strap 120, an upper middle strap 122, andan upper frontal strap 124. At least one strap 118, 120, 122, 124, 126of the headgear 100 may be a chinstrap 126. The chinstrap 126 isadjustable and provides means for fixing the position of the ear guardabout the head 140. The straps 118, 120, 122, 124, 126 may be connectedto the ear guard 110 in any suitable manner, such as by using fasteners,snaps, adhesives, stitching, looping the straps through at least oneaperture of the ear protective device, etc.

[0048] Each strap 118, 120, 122, 124, 126 of the headgear 126 maycomprise at least one corresponding magnetic device or magnet 128, 130,132, 134, 136 disposed therein. The magnetic device 128, 130, 132, 134,136 is preferably a rectilinear, flat, flexible magnet or a plurality offlat flexible magnets (not shown) disposed within the straps.

[0049] Now referring to FIGS. 3a and 3 b, generally depicted therein isan earplug 300 comprising at least one magnetic device 324 disposedtherein. A housing or plug portion 322 forms the outer structure of theearplug 300. The shape of the housing 322 is adapted for inserting theearplug 300 into the ear canal of the human head 326. Such shapes mayinclude tubular, conical, rectangular with rounded edges, ovular, etc.

[0050] Additionally, the earplug 300 may be adapted to muffle sound. Tomuffle sound, the housing 322 is preferably formed of pliable rubber,foam plastic, or the like. The rubber or foam plastic acts to reducesound waves entering through the ear canal.

[0051] The magnetic device 324 may be disposed within the housing orsupport body 322 using any suitable means, such as molding the housing322 around the magnetic device, embedding and scattering magneticparticulates throughout the housing 322, etc. The housing 322 ispreferably formed to support the magnetic device 324 within the earcannel and expose the outer ear, the middle ear, and the inner ear tothe effects of the magnet. The middle ear includes the tympanicmembrane, malleus, stapes, etc. The inner ear includes the cochlea, etc.It is believed that exposing these regions of the ear to the effects ofmagnetic fields, the magnetic fields will positively impact circulationand cell polarity to reduce pain and stress.

[0052] Now referring to FIG. 4, generally depicted therein at 400 is awater bottle or container for producing magnetic water. The water bottle400 comprises a housing 410 that forms a chamber for holding water and amagnetic device 412.

[0053] The magnetic device 412 may be disposed within the chamber,embedded in the walls of the housing 410, wrapped around the outside ofthe housing 410, etc. As shown, the magnetic device 412 is disposedabout the housing 410 using suitable means. Suitable means includemolding the housing around the magnetic device; embedding magneticferrite particulates throughout the housing; fixing a flexible flatmagnetic around the outer walls of the housing with adhesives; etc. Asshown, the water bottle 400 has at least one magnetic device 412disposed around the outer circumference of the housing 410.

[0054] The magnetic device 412 is adapted for magnetizing watercontained within the chamber. The magnetic device preferably produces amagnetic field having a field strength of about 400 to about 5,000gauss. To magnetize water, water is placed in the bottle 400 and left tostand from about 1 minute to about 10 minutes. The water may be left tostand in the bottle for storage and ready use, the storage may last forhours, days, months, etc.

[0055] Additionally, the water bottle 400 may have a cap 414 for sealingthe chamber. The water bottle 400 may further comprise a neck portion,and/or an applicator tip 418 attached to the cap 414. The applicator tipand/or the neck portion may additionally have a second magnetic device416 disposed there about for additionally magnetizing water that passesthere through.

[0056] Magnetized water may be used in a number of applications, such asa mouthwash, in shampoo, in water-based plaster (such as medical casts),in toothpaste, in medical or dental cement, in dental bases and liners,and in desensitizing agents for providing magnetic therapeutic benefits.

[0057] Now referring to FIG. 5, shown therein and generally depicted at500 is magnetized dental or medical cement. The magnetized dental cement500 is used for attaching crowns, dental appliances, etc., within thehuman mouth. The magnetized dental cement 500 may be produced by mixingmagnetized water with a water-based dental cement. Magnetized ormagnetic water may be produced by adding water to a magnetizing waterbottle 512 (such as the bottle disclosed above at 400). The water isleft to stand in the magnetizing water bottle 512 for a time, such asthat described above, sufficient for magnetizing the water.

[0058] Magnetized water 510 from the magnetizing water bottle 512 may beadded to conventional powdered dental cement and stirred together usinga suitable mixing apparatus 514. The magnetized water may be stirredinto the powered dental cement until the dental cement reaches aconsistency such that the dental cement does not separate more thanabout 1 to 2 inches when drawn away form the mixing plate with themixing apparatus.

[0059] Among others, conventional powdered dental cements include, forexample, known water-based, carboxylate dental cements and thosedescribed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,154,762 and others, the disclosure of whichis herein incorporated by reference.

[0060] The magnetic dental cement 500 may be applied to the inside of adental appliance 516 using a suitable apparatus 514. The dentalappliance 516 is then fixedly attached or applied to a prepared surface,such as a prepared tooth 518. The dental cement 500 having magneticproperties and having been applied to location, such as a tooth, exposesthe tooth and the surrounding soft tissue to the effects of a magneticfield. The magnetic field positively impacts blood circulation and cellpolarity to reduce pain and promote healing. Consequently, tooth comfortcan be maintained and the surrounding periodontal structures willrealize enhanced healing.

[0061] Now referring to FIGS. 6a-6 b, shown therein is an adhesivebandage, generally depicted at 600. The adhesive bandage 600 comprises aplastic strip 624, an absorbent material 620 attached to the plasticstrip 624, an adhesive 612 disposed on the plastic strip 624, and atleast one magnetic device or magnet 618 attached to the plastic strip624.

[0062] The magnet 618 may be disposed about the adhesive bandage 600 inany location and held in place or fixed by any suitable fastening means,such as adhesives, stitching, or the like. The magnet may also beremovably attached to the adhesive bandage 600, such as by, for example,seating the magnet within a pocket (not shown) formed in the absorbentmaterial, or Velcro.

[0063] As shown, the magnet 618 is located at a central portion of theadhesive bandage above a suitable adsorbent material 620. The magneticdevice or magnet 618 is preferably adapted to produce a magnetic fieldof from about 1 gauss to about 1000 gauss and more preferably from about1 to about 50 gauss.

[0064] Suitable absorbent materials 620 used in the adhesive bandageinclude absorbent cotton, gauze or the like. Preferably, the absorbentmaterial has a non-stick surface (not shown) for applying the absorbentmaterial over a wound. Such non-stick material may be a mesh typematerial having tightly woven or non-woven fibers that allow bodilyfluids to pass there through without sticking to the application spot.

[0065] The magnetic adhesive bandage 600 further comprises means 612 forattaching the bandage over a wound. The means 612 for attaching is, forexample, a removable adhesive, tack or glue disposed upon a plasticstrip 624.

[0066] In use, the magnetic adhesive bandage is applied over a woundwith the adhesive portions of the plastic strip attached to healthytissue and the magnet centered upon the damaged tissue. The magneticadhesive bandage is preferably applied to the wound after it has stoppedbleeding, and more preferably after healing has begun. The magneticadhesive bandage is preferably applied to the wound after it is at leastone hour old, and more preferably after it is at least one day old. Themagnetic adhesive bandage 600, by having at least one magnet disposedtherein, exposes the wound to the effects of a magnetic field topositively enhance circulation and cell polarity to thereby promotehealing.

[0067] While the invention has been illustrated in detail in thedrawings and in the foregoing description, the same is to be consideredas illustrative and not restrictive in nature. It is understood thatonly the preferred embodiments have been shown and described fully andthat all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of theinvention are desired to be protected.

[0068] Thus, it is to be appreciated from the preceding disclosure thatthere has been described therein a magnetic therapeutic device forexposing the lower temporal/mandibular region of the human head to theeffects of a magnetic field. It is also to be appreciated from thepreceding specification that there has been described therein a magnetictherapeutic device having a body for inserting into a human cavity, thebody having a magnetic source. It is also to be appreciated from thepreceding specification that there has been described therein a magnetictherapeutic device, the magnetic therapeutic device comprising: amouthpiece having at least one magnetic device disposed therein. It isalso to be appreciated from the preceding specification that there hasbeen described therein magnetic therapeutic headgear, the headgearcomprising means for positioning a magnetic device about the ear orlower temporal/mandibular region of a human head and a magnetic devicedisposed within the means for positioning. It is also to be appreciatedfrom the preceding specification that there has been described therein amagnetic therapeutic device, wherein the magnetic therapeutic devicecomprises an earplug having at least one magnetic device disposedtherein. It is also to be appreciated from the preceding specificationthat there has been described therein a device for producing magneticwater, wherein the device comprises a water bottle having at least onemagnetic device disposed about the circumference of the bottle. It isalso to be appreciated from the preceding specification that there hasbeen described therein a method of producing magnetic dental or medicalcement. The magnetic dental or medical cement comprises water-baseddental or medical cement having magnetic properties. It is also to beappreciated from the preceding specification that there has beendescribed therein a magnetic therapeutic device wherein the devicecomprises a removable adhesive bandage having at least one magnetdisposed therein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of treating a wound comprising the steps of: exposing the wound to a magnetic source.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the wound has healed to the point where bleeding has essentially stopped.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the wound is at least one hour old.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the wound is at least one day old.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the magnetic source is provided by an adhesive bandage having a magnetic source.
 6. The method of claim 5, wherein the magnetic source is fixed to the adhesive bandage.
 7. The method of claim 5, wherein the magnetic source is removably supported by the adhesive bandage.
 8. The method of claim 5, wherein the adhesive bandage has a pocket for supporting the magnetic source.
 9. The method of claim 5, wherein the magnetic source is a flexible magnet.
 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the magnetic source is magnetized dental or medical cement.
 11. The method of claim 1, wherein the magnetic source is magnetized plaster.
 12. The method of claim 1, wherein the magnetic source is magnetized dental cement.
 13. The method of claim 1, wherein the magnetic source is magnetized water.
 14. The method of claim 11, wherein the water is magnetized by placing said water in a container having a magnetic source.
 15. A magnetic therapeutic device comprising: an adhesive bandage for covering a wound; and a magnetic source supported by the adhesive bandage.
 16. The magnetic therapeutic device of claim 15, wherein the magnetic source is fixed to the adhesive bandage.
 17. The magnetic therapeutic device of claim 15, wherein the magnetic source is removably held by the adhesive bandage.
 18. The magnetic therapeutic device of claim 15, wherein the adhesive bandage has a pocket for supporting the magnetic source.
 19. The magnetic therapeutic device of claim 15, wherein the magnetic source includes a flexible magnetic material.
 20. A method of attaching a medical or dental appliance comprising the steps of: providing magnetized medical or dental cement; and applying the cement so as to affix an appliance in a desired location.
 21. A device for magnetizing water comprising: a container for holding water; and a magnetic source supported by the container.
 22. The device of claim 21 wherein the magnetic source is disposed around the container.
 23. The device of claim 21, wherein the magnetic source is disposed in the container.
 24. The device of claim 21, wherein the container includes a neck portion with another magnetic source.
 25. A method of treating an injury comprising the steps of covering the area with magnetized plaster to expose the injury to a magnetic field.
 26. The method of claim 25, wherein the plaster is suitable for immobilizing the injury. 